In probably one of the biggest moves in her career, President Nancy Zimpher has decided to accept the position of chancellor at the State University of New York. In this new position, she will oversee 64 campuses, nearly 85,000 faculty and staff, as well as nearly 825,000 students. President Zimpher is expected to fully assume her duties and responsibilities on June 1, 2009.While many people have expressed the fact that they are glad that she is going due to the controversy surrounding former basketball coach Bob Huggins, we need to remember all the great things that President Zimpher has done for our university. Over her five year tenure, the University of Cincinnati has experienced a lot of growth. As stated in her State of the University Address last quarter, President Zimpher mentioned some improvements and changes such as the following:
1. UC National Merit Scholars enrolled in last quarter totaled around 140. Five years ago, there were only around 50.
2. Last quarter, there were around 650 students transferring from branch campuses to Uptown Campus. Five years ago, it was around 430.
3. In the past five years, non-UC student transfers have risen 45 percent.
4. Under President Zimpher’s leadership, student retention and graduation has gone up from 77 percent in 2003, to 83 percent in 2008.
5. The past five years has made it easier for technology to be a part of the University of Cincinnati experience. One Stop has taken off and has made it easier for the school and its students to conduct business.
This move totally took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting her to make this move at all. I thought that she would have stayed until she had finished what she had started. As I have listened to the news and reaction to President Zimpher’s departure, it has been mixed. Many loyal Bearcat supporters are upset that she was instrumental in the firing of former UC Basketball Coach Bob Huggins. After reviewing the facts, this is my opinion:
1. Bob Huggins did a lot for the basketball program. But his conduct on and off the court did nothing to help his reputation. From constant verbal confrontations on the court to his interactions with law enforcement over drunk driving off the court, his behavior and conduct did not sync with what it means to be a UC Bearcat.
2. I can remember listening to constant reports of the UC Men’s Basketball team continuing to get into trouble with the law. There were relatively no consequences for the players. They pretty much got a slap on the hand. Now, I can definitely say I support the men’s basketball team. They work really hard academically as well as sports wise. They have come a long way. Way to go guys. Keep it up.
But sports is not the only thing that makes a school. Academics and reputation concerning those academics are also important. The University of Cincinnati has strived to be the best there is. Are we there yet? No. We still have a long way to go. Because of President Zimpher’s leadership, we are a lot closer.
I made a comment in my newspaper class last Friday concerning President Zimpher. I told my advisor that it is not easy being in her position. Yes, some of her decisions are not going to be popular. As a matter of fact, they could be downright controversial. Some decisions were made to only make the school a better place.
As I reflect on the changes that have been made, and the changes yet to come, I think it is time for the University to come together instead of divide. As President Abraham Lincoln said shortly before the American Civil War, “A House divided cannot stand.” Let us pull together and continue to make the University of Cincinnati a better place to be.